How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating is often fun and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not careful. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to prevent injuries. If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing to do after an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. Also, seek https://vimeo.com/709574343 for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence is required to prove claims for damages, such as current and future medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. Video and photographs can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it provides details about the collision that would otherwise be ignored. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish an outline of the timeframe. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can analyze the evidence to determine which parties could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable attorney will handle all communication between victims and insurance providers involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can stop victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages. 2. File a report If a boating accident happens the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. You should then contact the local police and make a report. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat gets lost. If you can, remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or persons without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to take note of important details like how the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the crash and what caused it. However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in water-related accidents because of the negligence of someone else. An experienced attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. In addition, a lawsuit against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have evaluated everyone's injuries and they are secured, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to what was originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin figuring out how much the damages might be worth. It is impossible to control every single factor that can cause a boat crash. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat. In these instances you will require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is accountable for the accident. It is also important to note that different kinds of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an Attorney As soon as you are secured and have seen an expert medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company. You'll likely need to do so even there is no police report filed. Be careful when providing information to insurance companies because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault assigned to you. If you're able you, it's a good idea to collect information about the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. This includes their name, address, phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident which is filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and can result in serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses along with lost wages and other damage. The parties responsible must be accountable for any harm they caused. You will not get the compensation you deserve if you don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will help even the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.